The first of four next-generation geostationary weather satellites, the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite R-Series, or GOES-R, will provide a major improvement in quality, quantity and timeliness of weather data collected over the Western Hemisphere. This accurate real-time data will be used to provide short-term forecasts, severe storm warnings, maritime forecasts, seasonal predictions and space weather alerts.

"GOES-R will substantially improve our nation's weather and space weather prediction capability ," said Tim Gasparrini, GOES-R vice president and program manager at Lockheed Martin Space Systems. "This is a prime example of how our expertise in spacecraft development, earth instruments and space-science instruments can combine to save lives and property."